The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.

And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.

For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern.

The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.

“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.”

“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.”

"It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth."

Saturday, May 4, 2013

A short time from now, in a galaxy not so far away… Walt Disney World Resort is throwing a party for the greatest saga ever told!

In honor of Star Wars day, Disney's Hollywood Studios will be hosting "May the 4th Be with You!"—a one-of-a-kind Star Wars-themed celebration for both parents and kids alike.

From meeting classic characters to collecting limited-edition merchandise, it's sure to be an unforgettable extravaganza! Only a Sith would miss this magic event.

Entertainment and character experiences are subject to change.

Meet Iconic Characters
Kick the party off in style—experience a close encounter with some of the most popular characters from across the entire Star Wars saga.

Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Boba Fett and many more will be making appearances and posing for pictures, including a few faces you might not expect. Don't let this amazing meet 'n' greet moment pass you by!

Join Your Kids as a Jedi
Finally, all you parents can team up alongside your younglings and become fellow Padawans in a special edition of the Jedi Training Academy.

Get ready to throw on a Jedi robe and flip the switch on that lightsaber, because it's up to you and your kids to thwart the Sith and defeat Darth Vader, Darth Maul and the Dark Side of the Force once and for all!

Collect Cosmic Merchandise
A cargo hold of magic merchandise awaits collectors of all kinds, including limited-edition pins and special tees made just for the occasion!

With messages like "May the Fourth Be with You" and "Revenge of the Fifth", you can literally wear the hyperspace hilarity on your sleeve. Collect these celebratory pins and tees at Superstar Shop in Disney's Hollywood Studios while supplies last.

Dance the Dark Side Away
Get into the galactic groove, bounce to the Bespin beat and boogie your way over to a Star Wars-themed Dance Party!

Join DJ Lobot as he spins familiar tunes from the Star Wars saga, and then bust a move on the dance floor alongside some fellow fans and a few favorite characters too!

See a Symphony in the Stars
Cap off "May the 4th Be with You" under a sea of stars as a cosmic series of colorful explosions lights up the summer sky.

Come evening time, take a seat on Hollywood Boulevard and settle in for "Symphony in the Stars," a spectacular fireworks display set to close the celebration. Catch all the amazing sights and sounds, the likes of which haven't been seen since the fall of the Empire!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Megatron and the Decepticons are closing in on Orlando…we must prepare for battle…

The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced today.

Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction. “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes* – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility – the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons. While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark – a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC – an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction – to transport the AllSpark to safety. But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…